Designers to Host Fund-Raiser for Obama

President Barack Obama’s brisk fund-raising schedule will take him to New York City on March 1st for a “dessert reception” at the home of the man who gave the Oval Office its distinctive makeover.

Renovations to the Oval Office, including a new carpet, wallpaper and furniture, are seen, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

A copy of the fund-raising invitation shows that Mr. Obama will appear at the home of Michael Smith and James Costos at 8 p.m. for the high-dollar event. The host committee also includes fashion designers Tory Burch and Michael Kors, and movie producer Harvey Weinstein, the invitation shows.

The first family tapped Mr. Smith to redecorate the Oval Office in 2010. The most conspicuous change was the addition of striped yellow and gold wallpaper.

By Peter Nicholas

Last year, First Lady Michelle Obama attended a fund-raiser hosted by Messrs. Smith and Costos at their home in southern California.

Tickets to the New York event aren’t cheap, with the price beginning at $10,000. Those who raise $100,000 will get the title of “co-host.’’

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